Malacañang on Wednesday allayed public concerns regarding a possible invasion of Taiwan following China’s military drills in “multiple directions” around Taipei.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro stressed that the public has nothing to worry about despite Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.'s issuance of a “bold challenge” to troops stationed at the northern frontier to prepare plans in case of a Taiwan invasion.

“Yes, we heard that and also read the statements of AFP chief Romeo Brawner -- and in our understanding, the public should not be overly concerned about this,” Castro said.

She said it would also be imperative for the Philippine military to be prepared for any eventualities.

“It is only right for him to remind the entire troops, as well as the public, that we should always be prepared for all contingencies, and that’s all,” said Castro.

Castro also stressed that the government is ready to assist Filipinos in Taiwan in case emergency repatriation measures are needed.

“As regards those contingencies, in case this will happen, the government is always prepared for this,” she added.

Taiwan is a democratic and self-governing island that has been separated from mainland China since 1949.

Although the Philippine government does not have official diplomatic relations with Taiwan, it does maintain a de facto embassy there, known as the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO).

Citing that external security challenges are constantly evolving, Brawner reminded troops to always be prepared for any eventuality and broaden their sphere of operations.

Brawner said the Philippines will “inevitably be involved” if something happens to Taiwan as there are at least 250,000 overseas Filipinos residing and working in the area who “needed to be rescued.”

“And it will be the task of Northern Luzon Command to be at the front line of that operation,” said Brawner.